Numerous people helped make the 28th annual Central Catholic Alumni Association’s Chef’s Dinner a success. They included from left, Troy Theriot, Nash Barreca, Richard Boudreaux, Evan Canty, Dale Ratcliff, Shauna Primeaux and Brian Blanchard. Also assisting were Bonnie Knobloch, Jo Ann Blanchard and Patrick Poupart.
—Submitted Photo
Central Catholic High School Alumni Chef's Dinner successful
The Central Catholic High School Alumni Association’s 28th annual Chef’s Dinner, a Gold Medal Evening, was held April 23 at NicoBella. The culinary event featured a five-course, sit-down meal.
Chef Brian Blanchard, owner and executive chef of iMonelli Restaurant, a la carte, River Oaks Catering and Event Center in Lafayette and Café Jo Jo’s, NicoBella, Bay City Bistro, and The Green Room in Morgan City, organized the event for the 21st year.
Joining Blanchard were Nash Barreca, executive chef of Nash’s Restaurant; Patrick Poupart of Poupart’s Bakery; Richard Boudreaux, executive chef a la carte; and Dale Ratcliff Jr. of Café JoJo’s.
Serving as master of ceremonies was Larry Bergeron. The invocation was by CCHS Principal Vic Bonnaffee III.
Blanchard introduced the chefs and gave a preview of each gourmet dish.
Special guests in attendance were Assistant District Attorney Anthony Saleme, judges Greg Aucoinand Paul deMahy, State Rep. Beryl Amedee, St. Mary Parish Assessor Jarrod Longman, Parish President David Hanagriff and Parish Council member Gabe Beadle.
Other special guests include Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi, Morgan City council member James Fontenot, Patterson council member Joe Russo, Atchafalaya Levee District Executive Director Tim Matte and President Bill Hidalgo Sr., and CCHS Advisory Council President Billy Hidalgo Jr.
This year’s theme was the centennial anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13.
Drew Bergeron explained that in the year 1917 from May to October, on the 13th day of each month, The Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She is said to have delivered a message of hope and peace for all humanity and revealed predictions about the fate of the world.
Alumni Director Maggie Bergeron presented door prizes and commemorative gifts to all the participating chefs and tokens of appreciation to special guests.
The Rev. Clyde Mahler, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, provided the benediction.
The 29th Annual Chef’s Supper is scheduled for April 8, 2018.